The One Ingredient Ina Garten Adds to Her Roasted Carrots to Make Them Shine

Roasted carrots with orange zest — Ina Garten-approved, we might add — are about to be your go-to side dish. Seriously, these will be the only veggies you won't have to beg your kids to eat.

“Roasted carrots are classic — I mean, it's pure home cooking — but they’re just carrots,” the Barefoot Contessa says in an Instagram video. “I found orange zest and fresh orange juice on the warm carrots really brings out the flavor of the carrots and balances it. I think it’s that finishing touch that really makes a difference.”

Are your mouths watering, because ours are! We all know how holiday dinners go: Everyone loads up on the ham, turkey, cranberries, mashed potatoes, and dinner rolls — the good stuff. Off to the side sit the sad uneaten veggies. Eventually, someone serves themself a tiny spoonful in an effort to eat at least one healthy food during dinner. Instead, imagine a veggie side dish that goes faster than the stuffing. Who knew all you needed was orange juice?

Judging by the reviews some people have left on the Instagram post, we're not the only ones who think this is the perfect last-minute side dish for any holiday dinner or potluck. "She’s so right. Orange over the glazed carrot is classic. Orange goes with orange. Who woulda thought?" Instagram user jordybrett wrote. "I put some cardamom in the OJ first! It just adds that little something extra!" ccseniorita added.

You can find Ina Garten's roasted carrots with orange zest recipe on her website. All you need are rainbow carrots, olive oil, salt, pepper, and citrus. Pop those babies in the oven for 15 to 20 minutes, and then you're free to return to more important things, like binging Hallmark Christmas movies with the family while sipping hot cocoa.